4 Things To Consider When Deciding To Go To Court Vs. Settle Your Divorce Case
While some divorcing couples are able to reach an agreement through negotiations, not all divorces are amicable. When going through a contested divorce, couples often face the dilemma, “Should I go to court or settle my divorce?”
Settling your divorce case and going to trial each has its benefits and drawbacks, but the decision often comes down to these four things: Time, money, stress, and desired outcome.
If you need help with making the right decision in your particular case, consult with an Orlando divorce lawyer.
Should You Go to Court or Settle Your Divorce in Orlando, FL?
If you and your spouse cannot reach an agreement on certain aspects of your divorce, you will have to consider the following four things to decide whether to take your case to court or settle:
- Time
When divorcing spouses agree on every aspect of their divorce, it could take just two or three to finalize their divorce. However, a contested divorce can take a year or even longer to resolve, especially if the parties are unable to reach a mutually acceptable agreement.
Going to court can extend the timeline of your divorce. How fast you can finalize your divorce will depend on the court’s schedule. It is not uncommon for spouses to wait several months or even half a year to get their divorce case heard.
- Money
If you do not want to spend astronomical amounts of money on your divorce, it is generally a better idea to settle. Taking your divorce to trial can substantially increase the cost of your divorce in Florida because legal fees, court costs, and attorney’s fees will add up quickly.
Alternatively, you can settle your divorce to reduce the cost of your divorce. However, you need to consult with an attorney before settling your divorce case to make sure that your agreement is fair.
- Stress
Getting a divorce is an extremely stressful and emotional experience. However, going to court can make the divorce process even more stressful because you will have to fight back against your spouse and their attorney in front of a judge.
You can avoid all the stress associated with traditional divorce litigation by settling your divorce case out of court. However, in some cases, going to court may be worth it if you cannot reach a fair settlement, which is why it is best to consult with a lawyer to discuss your options.
- Desired Outcome
Settling your divorce case offers you the ability to control the outcome of your divorce case. When you go to court, you are letting a judge decide the terms of your divorce. There is no guarantee that the judge will rule in your favor.
If you are considering taking your divorce case to court, it is advisable to discuss your particular situation with a knowledgeable attorney to determine your chances of success. Speak with our Orlando divorce lawyer at Arwani Law Firm to determine whether it is best to settle or go to court in your unique case. Call 407-254-0060 for a case evaluation.
